In less than two weeks, both Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day celebrations will be taking place. Typically, the Super Bowl is held on the first Sunday in February, but due to the NFL’s expanded 17-games in 18-weeks schedule this year, the game will be held on the second Sunday in February. Coinciding with Valentine’s Day weekend. In order to post two recipes for each of these events, the first recipe for Valentine’s Day lands today!

We like to be a bit extravagant with the meal we prepare for Valentine’s Day. That means a good cut of beef or some seafood for us. Sometimes, both! This year’s featured dinner for two on Valentine’s Day is New York strip steaks with a bourbon pepper sauce.

New York strip streaks have an intense flavor with bold, beefy notes producing a great bite and solid chew. This cut of beef typically comes from the longissimus dorsi muscle which extends from the hip bone all the way up to the shoulder blade of the animal. It is a little worked muscle making for a tender cut of beef. The rich marbling inherent in these steaks creates that robust flavor that leads to a delicious eating experience. And a wonderful dinner for two when celebrating Valentine’s Day!

Bourbon Pepper Steak (allrecipes.com) Total Time Required: 25 minutes, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes  Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 (6 ounce) New York strip steaks
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 fluid ounce bourbon
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• salt to taste
• pinch cayenne pepper

Directions:

Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and extra generously with pepper.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook until they are firm and reddish-pink in the center for medium-rare, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest while you make the sauce.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a sauté pan. Stir the garlic into the pan.

Pour in the bourbon and heat until the sauce is reduced to a sticky glaze, about 15 seconds. Add the beef stock. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Cook until the sauce is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the heavy cream and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Boil the sauce until it is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

Turn off the heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, swirling the pan until it is melted, about 30 seconds more.

Spoon the sauce onto a serving plate and place the steaks on top. Serve with additional sauce.

Well-prepared & flavorful beef makes for an ideal special occasion main course!  ~Linda

Bourbon Pepper Steak (allrecipes.com) Total Time Required: 25 minutes, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes  Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 (6 ounce) New York strip steaks
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 fluid ounce bourbon
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• salt to taste
• pinch cayenne pepper

Directions:

Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and extra generously with pepper.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook until they are firm and reddish-pink in the center for medium-rare, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest while you make the sauce.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a sauté pan. Stir the garlic into the pan. Pour in the bourbon and heat until the sauce is reduced to a sticky glaze, about 15 seconds. Add the beef stock. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Cook until the sauce is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the heavy cream and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Boil the sauce until it is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

Turn off the heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, swirling the pan until it is melted, about 30 seconds more. Spoon the sauce onto a serving plate and place the steaks on top to serve. Serve with additional sauce.